Is God good when the problems arise? Fiona shares.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
That age-old question people want to ask and one I’ve been asked–in relation to my own chronic pain or the chronic illness of others–“Is God good when life isn’t?”
Sometimes people can become bitter about their circumstances and blame God. I have never doubted that God had been in control and that what has happened in my life was, and is, a part of His plan.
How do I believe that when things are hard? Sometimes it’s not easy, but if I don’t believe that then nothing makes sense.
I’ve been reading Max Lucado’s book You’ll Get Through This about the story of Joseph. I’d read book reviews that sounded interesting, but I guess I was drawn to the title. I was struggling–and there is something comforting about seeing the book sitting beside my bed, drawing me to find out “how?”
In a chapter headed with this question, “Is God Good When Life Isn’t?” Lucado points out something that I’d never thought about before in Romans 8:28.
He says this verse uses “all things” and not “each thing.”
“God promises to render beauty out of all things not each thing. The isolated events may be evil, but the ultimate culmination is good!”
The end result is for our good–even though bad things may happen along the way. Like Joseph who told his brothers “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”
God never promised that by becoming a Christian everything would be good in our lives; that we’d never have any problems or challenges to face.
Lucado says we can “Trust in an all-knowing God–we will still face challenges and trials –but God is not absent, unknowing of all that we do and will face. . .”
Chronic pain is still hard–but I’m trusting God’s got a plan and purpose–to get me through all this.
Prayer: Father God, help us to appreciate that You see a bigger picture of our lives than we do. We may find it hard to be grateful for the tough times, but help us to trust You anyway–trust that You know what is for our ultimate good. Thank You for all you teach us through the experience of life. Amen.
* You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help For Your Turbulent Times, Max Lucado © 2013 Thomas Nelson
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.
Can you think of a time when something seemed really bad, but turned out to be for your good?
This is a beautiful song by King and Country called “Shoulders.” The lyrics are applicable… and I think I need to put this one on my playlist for life’s challenges. Take a few minutes to listen and tell me what you think. If you need a shoulder… you will love this. -Lisa
Fiona, I love this scripture and the precious truth you’ve gleaned from it. It is good to look at it in this perspective. Not as singular events of struggle, or evil but as a culmination, like a beautiful melody; alone each note could sound off or bad but put together creates a beautiful symphonic experience meant for His glory. Tks for your sweet spirit that v omes through ssed o clearly in your words!
Blessings to you, Di
Yes, I found Fiona’s devotion very helpful too. I always find her words comforting and/or challenging.
I also loved the poetic way Di described the way various events in our lives together create a “beautiful symphonic experience meant for His glory.”
Much easier to look at the individual events in my life if I think of them in this way, but it would never have occurred to me. Thanks Di.
Blessings to you both,
Helen,
Down Under
Your messages are never too long Fiona! Please don’t apologize or even give it another thought. I always find your words so helpful. Being ill I don’t have anywhere near enough fellowship, prayer or encouragement, so you are fulfilling a valuable role in my life. I could not have put it better than Di already has, so won’t try. God has never left my side ever, not in 64 years, and I know that through Him my life, is a symphony to Him, one that continues to be written each day. What a sound there must be in Heaven, as our music is finally brought together, and we sing our praises of Him who brings us home.
Thank you for your ministry to me. With love,
Lorna, in Scotland, UK
I REALLY needed that devotional today. I am losing my vision, have Lupus and am having heart problems that has my cardiologist baffled. My vision problem is no different. They have no clue what is wrong or what to do. It is hard to see a plan or purpose for my life. But I try to keep my faith and remember that God is NOT absent. Thank you for reminding me of that. Bless you!
A resounding Yes..amen..Yes. No matter the circumstances, no matter how hard the way.. Jesus is there. Thanks Fiona..I got much from your thoughts..keep on letting us hear from you.
Love and God’s Blessings always..Beth Jones Florida, USA
Thank you all for your encouraging comments on my devotional. I’m glad that the insight that meant so much to me, has resonated with others too.
Love the fact that these comments are coming from both near and far – what ways God uses to bring us together!!
Blessings,
Fiona
What a GREAT message for me right now Fiona. Thank you! 🙂
I’ve saved that great quote of Max Lucado’s & remember you mentioning it to me before. I sure needed reminding of it again today, hopefully I’ll remember it tomorrow! 😉 Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thanks Kerryn – hope I can remember it too!
Continuing prayers for you.
Blessings,
Fiona 🙂
Thanks Fiona! 🙂 Lotsoluv Kerryn